Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• 'Use-it-or-lose-it' health account spending rule could get lost
  The use-it-or-lose component of flexible spending accounts sends many people racing to use the money by year's end. But there is some chance the use-it-or-lose rule could be overturned, perhaps next year.6:20 a.m.
• Stadium support boosted with Senjem in Senate's top position
  Support for a new football stadium got a boost this week when Minnesota Senate Republicans elected Dave Senjem of Rochester as majority leader.6:50 a.m.
• Climatologist Seeley reviews weather extremes in 2011
  MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with University of Minnesota Climatologist Mark Seeley about the year in weather in 2011 which included lots of snow in the beginning of the year, high dew points in the summer, a straight-line wind speed record, a dry autumn, and a warm end-of-year.6:55 a.m.
• Retiring forestry service supervisor leaves legacy of strong stewardship
  Jim Sanders, who for 15 years was the calm presence at the center of some of northern Minnesota's most fractious environmental battles, retires today from his position as the Superior National Forest supervisor.7:20 a.m.
• 'Film School' is Steve Boman's account of wild ride in career change
  Steve Boman, a reporter by trade, decided to take a career leap in his early 40s and attend film school at USC. He recounts what turned out to be a wild ride in his new memoir, "Film School."7:25 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Ron Paul Nears Top Of Iowa's GOP Presidential Polls
  The latest Republican presidential candidate to move to the front of the pack in Iowa is Texas Congressman Ron Paul. That position has made him a target for most of the other candidates as each makes a closing run across Iowa. What sets Paul apart from his rivals is how much of the time he focuses U.S. foreign policy.
• Fla.'s Economic Pain, Anger Could Shape 2012 Race
  It's once again poised to play an important role in the presidential election, but Florida is a very different state than it was four years ago. Reeling from the housing collapse and high unemployment, voters are feeling the pinch and are angry at what's happening in Washington.
• In China, Finding A New Way To Eat In Times Of Plenty
  As people get richer, they tend to get fatter. That's what's happening in China, where 25 percent of adults are now obese or overweight. But some Chinese are discovering that it's possible to enjoy times of plenty and still stay slim.
• Traditional Japanese Rice Treat Brightens New Year
  Lauren Jabusch is a Japanese-American, and she talks about her family's holiday food tradition of making Japanese mochi. Our holiday food series continues with a look at the steamed rice treats.
• Oprah Winfrey Network Still Finding Its Footing
  Oprah Winfrey gave up her coveted spot as the queen of daytime talk to start a cable network. A year after its launch, however, OWN is struggling. Winfrey hopes a show of her own will boost viewership, but admits that running the network is much harder than she anticipated.
• Are You Being Paid $600,000 To Party?
  That's what Kim Kardashian reportedly will earn for being in Las Vegas on New Year's Eve and again during some "special appearances" in 2012. But in the celebrity world, it's not unusual.
• Coconut Water Companies Sell Image, Not Taste
  For people who see soda as a sugary poison and fruit juices as loaded with calories, coconut water evokes glowing, healthy people.
• China To End Breaks For Foreign Automakers
  Bloomberg News reports Beijing will stop encouraging investment from outside companies with tax breaks and other incentives. A Chinese official said the move was to allow for healthy development of its own car market. It also comes amid a sharp slowdown in car sales there.
• Why Year's End May Be A Good Time To Buy A Car
  Seven of the best days to buy a new car are in December. The year is almost over, and there is a last-minute push for big car sales.
• Was It A Good Year To Be In The Stock Market?
  David Wessel, economics editor of The Wall Street Journal, talks to Steve Inskeep about the bumpy year the stock market had in 2011. And they discuss what the new year might have in store for investors.

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